Author's note: Hey guys! Sorry for the late update. I was playing Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor. An awesome game. LOTR fans must play it. Only one more chapter before we return to Albion. So, let's get on with the story.
Chapter 23
The Art of Battle
It had been six months since that night. The night on which Maxmillian confronted her. From that night, she stopped. She stopped plotting. She stopped trying to find accomplice to do her bidding. She stopped trying to assassinate the prince.
It was not like her to give up. She had always been resilient, stubborn and strong-willed. In past, she had never stopped until she got what she wanted. Her tenacity had given herself an aura of confidence and power.
But after the confrontation with the prince, her confidence shattered. She felt vulnerable. She felt scared. She felt defeated.
She was a woman of many secrets. Those were her greatest weakness. A weakness that she used to cover with a mask of indifference, cruelty and anger. A mask which was her barrier, her mind's wall which prevented her from being shattered.
Prince Max had broken through that wall and brought those secrets to the forefront of her mind, forced her to relive her worst nightmares. He uncovered her life's dirty secrets. He knew so much about her. She only wondered just how much he knew about him. She had no clear idea.
That's what made her feel most vulnerable. Max knew so many thing about her while she knew little to none about this prince. Max had known her plots all along while she was thinking she had the upper hand. The thought unnerved her. It was this lack of knowledge which made Max more formidable than Arthur. She knew all about Arthur. His strength, his weakness, his personality. She knew everything. That's why she had never stopped while she had been in Albion.
But here in Saxony, the role was reversed. Here she knew so little and her adversary knew so much. That's why she stopped. Because she knew she would fail if she tried again. She knew she was being watched. She could feel prying eyes on her back.
If she made one suspicious move, the prince would know and he promised her a brutal retribution. She had no wish to put the prince's words to test. So, she stopped trying... for now.
Although her fear of the prince was not the only thing that stopped her from trying to murder the prince. There was also another thing. She was denying it for the last six months but in the deepest part of her mind, she was feeling guilty.
Never in her wildest dreams, she imagined that she would feel guilty. She was always so sure about herself. She thought her every deeds were justified. But after trying to kill the prince, her notion began to change.
King Ludwig was nothing but generous to her. He took her in and helped her when she needed it most. He was still helping her. He was still training her to reconnect herself with the magic of earth.
And how did she repay him?
By trying to murder his only son.
She didn't realize the ungratefulness of her deed until that night. She was so hell bent on killing the prince that she didn't even think twice about it. But in the last six months, she had a lot of time to ponder on her latest doings.
When she thought about it carefully, she began to see how horrible guest she was. Yes, Max didn't like her from the begining but he was just trying to protect his kingdom.
Even she could clearly understand that the invasion on Albion will be devastating for the Saxon army. Thousands would die. If their places were reversed, she would've outright killed Max to save her kingdom from an avoidable war.
So, she was in no position to accuse Max for his cold behaviour. What he did was absolutely justified. Well, maybe not the part where he had given her nightmares. She was still mad at him for doing that to her.
But in the last six months, she had come to terms with one thing. She wouldn't be able to kill the prince. Even if she did, the king would know who killed him. Everyone in Saxony would know. The High Spymaster would know.
And that would be the end of her. Saxon people would burn her alive if they knew about her doing.
She realized that she wouldn't be able to invade Albion with Saxon army using force and manipulation. She would need to prove her worth to the prince, the king and the kingdom. The prince advised her to let go of her ambition ( although he had interpreted it as bloodlust ).
He said that she would find true friends in Saxony if she remained loyal to her new home.
And for the first time after Morgause's death, she was going to trust any human. Because she had no other way. She thought that the cursed one would speak with her. But even his voice was silent inside her head. Perhaps he too was wanting her to listen to the prince.
That's what she was doing these last six months. She was not trying to assassinate the prince. Actually, she wouldn't have succeeded in killing the prince even if she had tried.
She hardly saw the prince lately. He was always busy and surrounded by the commanders and knights of the army either training with them or discussing strategies of war.
Because the prince was right. A war was coming. There had been rumours in the air that the king of the Franks, Louis was mustering a huge army numbering nearly fifty thousand men after moving his capital to Anor Londo.
No doubt that he was planning to take over Saxony. So, the Saxon King was doing the same thing to counter this invasion. News was spread across Saxony that King Ludwig was recruiting more men for the army. Saxon army was consisted of almost forty thousand soldiers. It was almost double sized than the army of Camelot.
Still, the rumoured Frankish army outnumbered the Saxons. But everyday more people eager to join the army were coming to Cologne. They were coming by hundreds every day. Majority of them were mercenaries. The crown had no problem to recruit them as Saxony had been enjoying very good weather these last three years. The crops production was on the rise and use of magic by the arcane army to increase production also helped.
The ammount of revenue increased. The king's coffers were full to the brim. As a result spending gold to recruit more men was not a problem.
The former priestess couldn't help becoming fascinated seeing the kingdom flourish even right before the brink of an war because of the open use of magic. She could only imagine how Albion would flourish under her rule.
A land free of autocracy and tyranny. A LAND OF MAGIC.
A land where people with magic would live free not scared and ashamed. A land where parasites like Arthur and Merlin wouldn't exist.
But that had to wait for now. To make that dream reality, she would have to prove herself to the people of Saxony. She would have to show her loyalty. Only then, she would have a chance to persuade that obnoxious, insufferable prince to march in Albion with his army.
That's why she was training everyday in the training field near the royal palace. Her skill with swords almost rivaled with Arthur's so she was confident that she would be allowed to join in battle although it was highly inappropriate for a lady. Then again, Lady Anariel was the royal battlemage and a commander. So, she was hopeful.
During her training, she never saw the prince. He was training with the army outside the city in Royal Parade Ground. She went there only once and what she saw took her breath away. Thousands of men were gathered there. Some of them were marching. Some were teaching other soldiers about fighting techniques while others were being taught. The Royal soldiers were training mainly with swords while the mercenaries were training with warhammer, battleaxe, mace, pike and halbred.
Archers were target practicing in a different place. Commanders of the army were overseeing the whole army's training process. The prince was overseeing the knights and elite royal guards' training progress.
She didn't know what would happen in the war with the Franks as she had no idea how well equipped and trained the Franks were. But she knew one thing: This army could defeat Camelot and her allies.
She only hoped that she would be given a chance to join the war. She would still join the war in secret if she wasn't given permission because she was desperate to prove her prowess and loyalty in battle. Nonetheless, she was hoping for the royal permission.
She would ask for joining with the army to the king during the final meeting before war.
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[ Seven months later the night of the confrontation ]
Morgana Pendragon entered the war council chamber taking a deep breath. This was it. The final meeting. She was going to ask for permission today and she was hoping that she would be given the chance to fight.
Only ten members of the royal court were chosen for the war council and surprisingly, she was one of them. It seemed the king had forgiven her for her recent backstabbing plots.
The members of the council and the king gave her a respectful nod seeing her entering the room. Morgana knew well enough that it was just a part of the act. Most of the councilors were livid about her presence in the war meeting. They didn't trust her as she was not a ' Daughter of Saxony ' , they said.
It seemed she was not the last one arriving at the meeting. There was still one person absent. Prince Max.
Prince Max had become almost invisible these days. Either he was in the Parade Field or in the war meetings or spending time with his sister or in his own chamber. She only saw him during meetings and even then, their interactions were nothing more than mere pleasantries and discussing strategies.
During those interactions, the prince was oddly polite with her. It's as if he had forgotten that she had tried him to kill only a few days ago. In fact, he was so polite that it was making her feel guilty to hate him. What he had done to her was merely self defense. Morgana could understand that. Still, she hated him for making her relive her worst memories in a more gruesome and horrible way. And she was not sure if she could let go of her hate for the prince.
She was brought out of her reverie at the sound of someone entering the chamber.
Prince Max had arrived. He looked exhausted. His hair was tousled and there were bags under his eyes. In fact, he didn't look very princely.
The prince was working hard all day long for the preparation of the army and it was clearly weighing on him. Morgana felt a little sorry for the prince.
Wait.
Sorry?
She was feeling sorry for the prince? When did that happen? The idea was ridiculous and ludicrous. She hated Max with every fiber of her being. She was never sorry for him. NO. Not in a million years.
" Now that we are all here; let us begin. " The king's words broke Morgana's train of thoughts. She looked at the king and schooled her expression. The king looked at her and gave a small smile.
Then, he looked at the other councilors and said, " Welcome, my friends. Thanks for joining me here this afternoon. Let us skip the chit chat and jump right into business, shall we? "
All the councilors including Morgana nodded in affirmative. She was begining to like the king's personality with each passing day. He was cheerful, kind, intelligent but efficient and competent at the same time. In a word, the king was thousand times better than Uther in her eyes.
Prince Max started first, handing over the summary report about the army's strength and number. The king skimmed through the report and then looked at the prince.
" Seventy five thousands, Max ? "
The king asked.
" Yes, father. It seemed people are very enthusiastic about the war. Every sell-swords of Saxony want to bash some Franks. "
The councilors chuckled hearing the prince's reply.
However, The king and his son's expression remained serious.
" You think the short training of mercenaries would be enough to match the Franks? " The king asked. Morgana could sense the king was a little sceptic about the hired soldiers.
" Long enough for our plan to work. " The prince said with a hint of confidence in his voice.
" Yes. Yes. I have been hearing from Commander Rudolph about your plan. But I don't know about the details. Care to explain? " The king asked.
" Of course. We are going to take our position near the hamlet of Metz just at the eastern bank of river Mosel. According to the spies of Lady Iliera- " The prince gestured towards the said lady who handed another piece of paper to the king and the king skimmed through it just like before.
'What is she doing here? ' Morgana thought.
From what Morgana heard from Evelyn, Iliera was not even a noble by birthright. She was an orphaned huntress living near the Frankish-Saxon border who once had saved the prince's life.
The prince brought her to Cologne and made her a lady of the court. Morgana had thought that Iliera was nothing but the prince's love interest. Now it seemed that looks could be deceiving. Iliera certainly held much power in the court to be present in this meeting. For all Morgana knew she even could be the High Spymaster.
Meanwhile Max continued.
" -The Franks had left their new capital Anor Londo two days ago. King Louis had crossed River Meuse with fifty thousand Frankish soldiers. They are planning to enter Saxony by crossing The Ford of River Mosel near Metz. We are going to make our stand there. " The prince pointed the location in the map spread across the council table.
" Is Prince of the Franks with the army? " Lord Theodore who was also present in the meeting suddenly asked.
The prince stopped his speech and stared at the Lord Warden for a second. Then, giving a nod, he replied, " Yes. Prince Philip is with the army. "
The king nodded and Morgana had no idea why the king looked relieved hearing the Frankish Prince was with the army. It sounded vague and mysterious. But before she could voice her thought, the king cut in. " Continue, Max. "
Max nodded and continued. " The Frankish army always fight in square formation. Very much like the Roman Legion. Lightly armed warrior at the front, heavily armed soldier at the back and cavalry at the side. "
" So, what do you think our army's formation should be? " The king asked.
Max grinned, " I think you already know. "
" Do I? Indulge me. "
Prince Max scratched the back of his head and then started. "In order to minimize casualty, I am planning to surround the Franks. "
" And to do that, you have to... do what? " The style of the question surprised Morgana. It's like as if the king had been testing the prince.
Max scratched his head again and continued.
" A half moon formation and the moon's... " The prince didn't get to finish his sentence. The king spoke up midway.
" Back will be facing the army. Our elite soldiers will be at both sides. The cavalry at the behind for a surprise attack. Am I right? "
" I knew it! You guessed everything right. A question father; which battle? " The prince asked while grinning.
" Battle of Canne. Between Carthage and Rome. Decisive Carthage victory because of General Hannibal's brilliant strategy during second Punic war. You are planning to follow in his footsteps. " The king said as if he was reading from a book.
" Yes, father. But there's more. There's a hill near Metz overlooking the ford. If we march tomorrow, we'll be able to post our four thousand archers on the hill. And when the Franks will try to cross the Ford, we'll rain arrow from above. It's going to be a slaughter for them.
When their forces collide with ours, our mercenaries will hold them heroically while our elite soldiers will begin to surround them. Our cavalry will disperse in two groups from back and will attack their cavalry from side. Our archers' arrows will damage them significantly. Our infantry will surround theirs. And our cavalry outnumber theirs' three to one. Moreover, our esteemed Lady Anariel and her Arcane army will help us to make short work of their sorcerers. "
Max finished his long speech gesturing to the Royal Battlemage who nodded and smiled at him. Morgana looked at the prince with awe and admiration. She now had no doubt that at least he was a good strategist and a passionate person. At least better than Arthur in strategies.
The king smiled at the prince. Morgana could see that pride was gleaming in King Ludwig's eyes.
" Very good, Max. I like your strategies. Let's hope it works. I give you permission to enact this strategy in battle. Do any of you, my good lords and ladies want to say anything against my decision? "
The king looked expectantly to the councilors. And just as Morgana predicted, no one said anything. Typical. Everyone was nodding in approval. Then, to her surprise, the king looked at her and asked, " Do you have anything to say, milady? "
At first, Morgana didn't understand with whom the king was talking to. When she realized, she straightened herself, coughed to clear her throats.
" Me, sire? " She asked, astonishment clear in her voice.
" Yes, you. Do you have anything to contribute in the proposed strategies? "
She was going to approve the plan like the other councilors. But then she saw a flaw in the plan and decided to voice her thoughts.
" If I am not wrong, archers are going to play an important role in the battle, right? " She gave a questioning look to the prince.
" Y-es. " Max replied slowly.
" Then I assume capturing the hill is going to be an important objective. " She said with a playful smirk on her face.
" Of course. That's why we're going to start marching tomorrow so that the Franks can't capture the hills. " The prince's voice was neutral.
" The Franks have begun marching two days ago. It'll take at least two days for us to reach Metz. " It didn't miss Morgana's eyes that the king was smiling softly when she said ' us ' .
" What are you trying to say, Morgana? " The prince asked.
Morgana was a little shocked to hear the prince use her name publicly. But didn't mind as she was sick of hearing people always using her title instead of her name. She continued.
" What I am trying to say is although it's highly improbable for the Franks to reach Metz before us. We shouldn't risk the capture of the hills. You should send the cavalry first to secure the hill. The infantry and archers can follow them on foot. "
Morgana stopped and looked at the king. " What do you think, your majesty? "
The king didn't speak for a while. He seemed to be thinking something. Then, a smile spread on his face. He looked at Morgana in the eyes. " I agree with you, my lady. Max, send out the cavalry with Lord Remer to capture the hills. It's essential to minimize casualty and win the battle. "
" Lord Remer, do you have any objections? " Max asked one of the lords in the meeting.
" No, my prince. My boys are always ready. " The middle aged commander said confidently.
" Then bring glory to fatherland, Remer. " The king patted on the lord's shoulder.
Lord Remer gave a bow to the king and left the room saying, " As my king commands. "
After the lord's departure, the king looked at Morgana and said, " Uther taught you well in strategies, didn't he? "
Although Morgana hated her father so much, she couldn't deny that Uther really taught her well about battle and strategies. She nodded at the king's question.
" You will make a fine queen. " The king said almost in a whisper. But it was loud enough for Morgana to hear.
She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was the king planning to arrange a marraige between her and Max? Outrageous. ' I will never marry that bastard. ' She thought furiously.
She looked at the other councilors and to her horror, she saw that all of them were looking at her in disbelief. Lord Theodore was looking very angry. And Lady Iliera was looking so furious that if looks could kill, Morgana would've been dead already.
But what caught Morgana's eyes most was the prince's eyes. Even a few moments ago, he looked cheerful. Now she saw nothing but grief and hurt in his brown eyes.
Did she say those words out loud?
' Oh dear! I'm doomed. ' Morgana thought.
She looked at the king and he looked calm but Morgana could sense that he was seething in anger inside. Morgana was looking for a way out of this dangerous situation.
It was Max who mitigated the situation. He coughed loudly and said, " Father, you said that you had sent letter to our allies. But so far, no help has arrived. Have they sent any replies? "
Hearing the prince's words, the king stopped staring at Morgana and looked at Max.
Morgana felt relieved. The king's gaze was unnerving. She felt grateful to the prince to save her from the awkward situation. Then again, she also felt guilty to hurt the prince.
Guilty? Really? She never thought that she would feel guilty for hurting the prince. But now she was feeling truly guilty. She shouldn't have said those harsh words. After all, what was she if not a bastard.
The difference between them was that her father didn't recognize her while Max's father recognized him, loved him and made him crown prince.
The king spoke up. " I am afraid I can't give any good news son. Ceaser of Constantinople sent me a letter saying that there is a rebellion going on near Adrianople. He needs his army to defend his empire. He can't help us. "
" And Ceaser of Rome? " Max asked his father.
" His condition is far worse. Rome hasn't recovered yet from the sack of Goths and Vandals. In fact, I think it's only a matter of time before Western Roman Empire will fall for good.
The King of Visigoths is also in war with the Northerners. He has politely refused my offer to go to war against the Franks. We're on our own. " The king said with a deep sigh.
The former priestess didn't know Saxony had that many allies. Yes, most of them were militarily weakened but those countries specially Empire of Constantinople was a rich empire. A trade route with them would be very beneficial to any country. And trade certainly helped Saxony's economy. The massive army of Saxony was the living proof.
" I expected the same thing. Oh well, only one thing before adjourning this meeting. " Max said. He looked a little disappointed but he didn't sound crestfallen. Rather he sounded confident as usual.
" The selection of commanders, I presume? " The king asked.
" Yes. I will command the left flank. And the commander of the right flank will be... "
" Me. " The king cut off the prince.
" What? " The prince asked.
" I will command the right flank. I am going with you. " The king said. His tone of the voice sounded commanding but he was opposed by his son.
" You need to stay here, father. "
" And why is that, son? Do you think I am too old to go to battle? " Lord Theodore and another lord sniggered hearing the king's question.
" No. Obviously not. " Max protested.
" Then, why shouldn't I go? "
" Someone must stay in the capital. Otherwise, the Goths might attack from the south and take the city. I am leaving ten thousands royal guards to protect the city and you must remain here to keep their morale high if we are attacked here. " Max argued.
" Surely, Lord Theodore can do my job finely. " The king counter-argued.
" Not as good as you, my lord. " Theodore said.
" Oh! Now you are taking my son's side, eh Theodore? You also think me old, don't you? I am only forty seven and I am going to war. No matter what you people say. "
Morgana had to admit that the king was stubborn. He was determined to go to war.
" Damn it, father. Think about Erina. " The prince yelled this time and that totally shut the king up.
The prince spoke again. His voice was still loud. Even the experienced lords weren't uttering a word while he spoke. " If something bad happens in the field..." The prince paused a little and then continued. " If something happens to me who'll look after her? Think about her, father. You need to be here. Do you understand? "
To say that Morgana was surprised would be a very understatement. She never saw Arthur using such a commanding tone while talking with Uther and he thought Max would do the same.
King Ludwig didn't say anything for almost a whole minute. All members of the council were holding their breath; waiting to see what would happen next.
Then, to everyone's surprise, the king came closer to his son and wrapped him in a tight hug. Max was surprised like the other members occupying the chamber. But after a short moment, he hugged his father back.
" Don't you dare say such thing like that, Max! You hear me? I have lost Fred, your mother, Fred's mother. I can't bear to lose you too. Please promise me, Max. Promise me you'll return to me. Promise me. "
The king's voice was shaking. Morgana had never seen such show of affection from any king. It amazed her. Uther always said that showing emotion and compassion was a weakness. And now here she was standing before the king and prince of a kingdom thrice larger than Camelot while they were showing their love for each other.
They were not ashamed. They were not weak. Rather their bond between them made them much more stronger. Lady Anariel and Iliera were wiping their eyes.
Morgana felt a sudden pang of jealousy again and she felt her eyes were becoming teary. She wiped her eyes quickly. Not wanting to uncover that she was not a lady of stone.
The father and son were like that for sometimes, then Max spoke up.
" I'll promise if you promise that you'll stay here. "
The king released his son and spoke while wiping his eyes.
" Wicked boy. You are blackmailing your king. That's treason! "
" I still haven't got my answer. " Max said while grinning mischievously.
" Alright. Alright. I won't go. Happy now? " The king said with a humph.
" Very much and don't worry. I am known to be indestructible. "
" You better be or I am going to raise you from death to murder you myself. "
" Huh! Erina will eat you alive before you try to kill me. "
Morgana frowned hearing the royals. It looked like they were bantering. They would've continued if Theodore hadn't intervened.
" Sires, if you don't mind we still haven't agreed who will lead the right flank. "
Theodore's words stopped the two royals bickering. Max coughed and became serious again.
" Lord Wilhelm will lead the right flank. And the central army, I mean the mercenaries will be lead by Lady Anariel. I have talked with their leader and he has agreed to work under her. What say you, father? "
" And the archers? " The king asked.
" Oh, Lord Rudolph. He is definitely the prefect choice "
" Yes, he'll be perfect. Anything else, Max? "
" Only one thing. "
" And that will be? "
" I want to take Lady Morgana with my army. "
Morgana chocked hearing Max's words. She was planning to ask for going to battle at the end of the meeting. But It seemed she didn't need to anymore.
" She has gained significant power in these months. Not to mention her superb swordsmanship. She will be able to help me in battle greatly. " Max said while giving the king an odd look. Morgana could bet that the prince had something else in his mind than only wanting her help. She would ask him after the meeting about his motive. But not now.
She had already acted rashly once and she was not eager to test the king's patience twice.
So, when the king asked if she had any objection about Max's proposal, Morgana simply said, " It will be an honour. "
" I believe there's nothing else to discuss. " The king gave his councilors questioning look. They all nodded in agreement.
" Then my fellow countryman, let's bring glory to our fatherland. What say you? " The king questioned.
" Aye. " All the councilors and even Morgana shouted.
" All hail Saxony. " The king gave out a battlecry.
" Hail. "
" Hail. "
" Hail. "
The Saxons' and Morgana's voices echoed in the chamber.
' I am going to prove myself. ' The former high priestess thought while leaving the chamber with her soon-to-be fellow comrades.
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Author's note: So, what do you guys think? Thanks for reading.
I have based Max and his father's relationship on me and my father's relationship. I have changed some of the historic events for my convenience. After all, it's a story. Not history. I hope you won't mind. Drop me a line. I will be grateful. By the way, I am having less reviews these days. What's happened? I have 190 followers! Isn't that awesome? Thanks, guys. Please, review. I really love to read your thoughts about the story.
Today's question: Max had said something that Sherlock( BBC ) said exactly in season 3. What is the dialogue?
Happy reading guys. Adios.
-Assassin of Syria